Quick Summary
Situated in Cairo, Egypt, Al-Azhar University is a public, religious established in 970. Ranked #1001-1200 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 450000 students including 12% from outside Egypt. Known for strengths in Theology, Islamic Studies, Arabic Language, it maintains an acceptance rate of 35%.
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Institutional Profile
Who they are
It is the world's chief center of Islamic and Arabic learning and one of the oldest degree-granting universities.
Subject Strengths
TheologyIslamic StudiesArabic LanguagePharmacyMedicineEngineering
Founded970
TypePublic, Religious
Total Students450000
Intl Students12%
Faculty Ratio28
CampusUrban
Campus SizeMultiple campuses across Egypt
Affiliated HospitalsAl-Hussein University Hospital, Sayyid Galal Hospital, Bab El-Shaaria University Hospital
AccreditationNational Authority for Quality Assurance and Accreditation of Education (NAQAAE)
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Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#1001-1200
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#1001–1200
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#901-1000
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
Theology, Arabic Language, Islamic Law, Medicine, Engineering, Science, Commerce, Agriculture
Programs
Available in all major faculties including Islamic Studies, Medicine, and Engineering
PhD Programs
Limited distance learning for Islamic and Arabic studies
Online Programs
Islamic Research Academy, International Islamic Center for Population Studies and Research
Research Centers
High
Research Output
National Authority for Quality Assurance and Accreditation of Education (NAQAAE)
Accreditation
04
Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate35%
IELTS6
TOEFL80
Min GPA3
GRENot Available
GMATNot Available
SATNot Available
ACTNot Available
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · August 31
SPRINGApplication Deadline · January 15
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
International students must apply through the Egyptian Ministry of Higher Education and the Al-Azhar Mission system. Proficiency in Arabic is mandatory for religious faculties.
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Cost Ledger
Amounts in Egyptian Pound
UG Tuition
EGP145,000/yr
per year · EGP
Living Cost
EGP120,000/yr
per year · EGP
PG Tuition
EGP218,000/yr
per year · EGP
Application Fee
$50
one time · USD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
EGP267,400/yr
tuition + living + essentials · EGP
Scholarships AvailableAl-Azhar Grand Imam Scholarships, Egyptian Government Scholarships
Avg Scholarship$1,500
Financial AidAvailable for students from OIC countries
Work-StudyLimited
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Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Theology, Arabic Language, Islamic Law, Medicine, Engineering, Science, Commerce, Agriculture programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Islamic Jurisprudence | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Arabic Literature | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Medicine | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Pharmacy | MBA | 12-24 MO |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$8,000
Average Salary After Graduation
75%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementStrong clinical placements in Al-Azhar hospitals
Industry Connections
Strong links with Islamic financial institutions and Egyptian public sector
Notable Alumni
Ahmed el-Tayeb, Saad Zaghloul, Taha Hussein, Yahya Jammeh
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Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
On-campus available
Sports Facilities
Football pitches, athletics tracks, indoor sports halls
Student Clubs
Religious societies, Literary clubs, Scientific associations
Library Resources
Al-Azhar Central Library (holding thousands of rare manuscripts)
Exchange Programs
Erasmus+ partnerships and agreements with Islamic world universities
Summer Programs
Arabic for non-native speakers, Islamic intensive courses